'Dancing with the Stars' - 'Performance #4' Recap

(S10E08) An interesting little marquee decorates the 'Dancing with the Stars' stage representing movie night. While most of the cast get interesting movies that could channel actual dances moves ('Pulp Fiction,' 'The Breakfast Club,' 'Risky Business'), Chad Ochocinco was given the Disney favorite 'The Jungle Book.' After all these weeks of sexual tension with Cheryl, they couldn't give him 'Shaft' or connect with his football roots with 'Remember the Titans' as their song?

While we know that Kate scored the worst of all the dancers, it seems like the judges are being far more harsh on the other dancers to keep Kate's scores close. Kate Gosselin needs to pull her last ace next week: we need to see eight small chairs filled with the Gosselin children to insure her safety no matter what her scores look like.

Niecy & Louis - Jive - The couple has La Bamba, which in all truth feels like a throwaway theme for the two; they weren't even dressed to fit the movie. Niecy continues to try to be funny in practice, but it wastes energy. As the dance begins, Niecy doesn't have enough bounce and even the high amount of fringe couldn't help cover that situation up. Other than the timed stops in the song and Niecy going to the judges table twice, there weren't any wow-moments. It's odd because Louis knew exactly how to create drama for Kelly Osbourne but hasn't been doing well with Niecy.

Len appreciated that Niecy had her personality in the performance, but he criticized that she didn't have enough bounce in her feet. Bruno points out that the performance wasn't sharp enough. Carrie Ann thought the bottom half wasn't as strong as the top half. Score: 18 (6,6,6).

Chad & Cheryl - Quickstep - Cheryl gets really tough this week on Chad, and he doesn't realize that it's because Chad wants attention. While they get the vines, the dance has nothing to do with the fun of the movie. They should have borrowed something from the "I Wan'na Be Like You" even if it was the coconut skirt. I'm almost surprised how wholesome they tried to make Chad look and the lack of sexual tension hurt him. Chad kept up with Cheryl, even though his movements were stiff. They end a few seconds off the song, as well.

Bruno thought it was too wild and he had no hold control. Carrie Ann thought the performance was uneven, the body contact was poor. Len thought the posture was better than his Foxtrot, but his upper section needed help. Score: 18 (6,6,6).

Erin & Maks - Jive - Erin and Maks get quite loud with each other as they practice the jive; she has figured out buttons to push. This week the argument was about heels. While Maks holds on to the menu for the slow half of the performance, the routine picks up with the tempo. There was a bit of a loss of control with Erin again. The couple probably had it easier than most couples because they Incorporated very iconic scenes. Erin ends with a bit of an awkward split.

Carrie Ann liked the story, but her ankles were off. She was ahead of the beat. Len liked the kickoff, but the routine got a bit too hectic at points. Bruno thought her timing was the best and sees improvement. Score: 22 (7,7,8).

Jake & Chelsie - Cha-Cha - Jake keeps asking about details, but Chelsie wants him to feel emotion. Jake emerges trying to practice from 'Top Gun' and, truthfully, if he wants more voters, he'd better show skin. Happily, Jake emerges pantless, but, surprisingly, puts on pants really fast. There were points where he was off in step and there was yet another stumble, but he was definitely feeling the performance.

Len liked the commitment, but he messed up part of the routine. Bruno thought he should have kept his pants off; the lines were strong, but there was a section that was off. Carrie Ann liked the guts of the performance. Score: 23 (8,7,8).

Pamela & Damian - Quickstep - Pam is a huge fan of Dolly Parton so she's excited for their song "9 to 5." Damian decides to push Pam harder this week leaving Pam winded. First off, I gotta say that I loved Pam's outfit. The routine wasted a lot of time in the beginning, but the couple stayed in hold, unlike Nicole a few weeks back. They interestingly circle the clock display on the ground, and I'm hoping that was intentional. Their climb on the furniture was a bit clunky but successful.

Bruno loves how Pam was always in character, her posture was good; he suggests adding movement. Carrie Ann agrees with Bruno, but thinks that her hold could be better. Len thought that the unnecessary use of props was not balanced, but the small bit of dancing was good. Score: 21 (7,6,8).

Kate & Tony - Foxtrot - The couple has 'The Breakfast Club,' and Kate is a bit confused by the elements of the movie; clearly she's never seen it before. Kate has no energy and Tony tries his best to push her. While Kate starts a bit awkward in the beginning, she has always done better in hold because Tony could drag her around. The tempo of the song is probably the biggest disadvantage. because the couple seems like they were going a bit slow for the song. I was happy that Kate attempted a pot-stir at the end, even though I don't consider it part of the foxtrot canon.

Carrie Ann sees that she's developing grace but it's not fully formed. Len thought it was precise but it wasn't a dance, rather a stroll. Bruno thought that she was catatonic dancing around; she's taken a step back. Score: 15 (5,5,5).
Nicole & Derek - Tango - Nicole was upset with last week's performance, but the two try their best to channel to 'Pretty Woman.' Nicole channeled that by reenacting the famous shopping spree scene. The jacket unveils a red dress, similar to the movie's, and the two whisk around the floor. The tango is fast, but unlike the slow Kate performance, they use the tempo to add as much content as possible. Another strong showing from Nicole.

Evan & Anna - Rumba - Evan will be doing the Stars on Ice tour for the rest of the season, so the couple practice in New Hampshire, New York, and Pennsylvania. For once Evan's hair isn't jelled back. His hip motions were strong, but there was something really ballet about the whole performance, the combination of spins and his sleeves that were too puffy. I was secretly disappointed that he wasn't wearing a space-inspired outfit (or Buzz's silver tie) as a shout-out to Buzz Aldrin.

Bruno loved his top lines, his hips need a full fluid motion. Carrie Ann loved the sophistication in the movement. Her only criticism is that there was an occasional separating of his top half and bottom half. Len thought he did a great job. Score: 27 (9,9,9).

Even with Kate & Tony in the bottom, they are still probably safe. This leaves Chad & Cheryl and Niecy & Louis in jeopardy. Sadly the show is becoming a battle between Nicole and Evan, and everyone else is just kinda waiting their time to be eliminated. Everyone other than Nicole and Evan have roller coaster scores each week.

I have a feeling that the judges are being more critical with some of the contestants to make their scores as competitive to Kate's score, especially with Niecy. There is one thing that I do like about Tony's choreography versus Louis' this season: while both professionals have contestants that skew on the weaker side, Tony is willing to put in risky moves to add some flash to a basic routine like that rotation last week. While Kate channels a shopping cart, she did do a successful, albeit slow, crouching pot-stir.

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Kate is not a great dancer. She is on the show for ratings. I hope the public sees that and she gets to go home to the kids. It is pleasure to watch Cheryl with Chad or Damien w/ Pam. These celebrities are trying to learn the dances and have fun doing them. Kate looks like "oh another chance for me to be on TV". She has to go. Keep the Niecey or the Chad or Pam. Kate, go home and get a real job!

Yes, Chad made a comment to one of the judges when they said something about he and Cheryl having "contact" in the dance. He said something like "oh, we have contact!" He's just getting gross. His stupid sexual remarks every time they interview him is getting old.

I agree with you. KATE NEEDS TO GO! I wish people would quit voting for her. She doesn't try and has not improved. Her arms are like tree limbs and she walks thru everything.Was it me or did CHad hint that he and Cheryl were intimate and she tried to shush him and blow it off. Can't pro's teach and train w/o sleeping with their pupils?

Kate moves like her shoes are made of cement. She has to be voted off tomorrow!!!! I feel so sorry for Tony. She is so disrespectful and I hope he is earning hazardous pay to spend that much time with her. IF SHE GETS THRU this week, I AM THRU with DWTS.